Tension Busings, Control Arm - Alignment

[jsoto]

Just have lower CA and new tension bushings put it.
She drives fairly straight.

Still need to put some miles on her....to better feel it out.
Is a alignment required ?

[Ricky Bobby]

When was the last time the car was aligned? If its been a while and you don't see yourself replacing any other suspension work for the time being, I would get an alignment, its good practice.

I had all my front end suspension parts replaced in the past year, did both wheel bearings, CV boots, etc, and the car still drove straight but the alignment was definitely out.

The only thing that gets replaced where you will CERTAINLY notice the car not driving right is replacement of tie rods. I only know this because I went for alignment and the rods were seized, so they could not do the alignment and I had to go home, wait a week for the parts, replace them myself and then drive back to the shop for alignment. Tie rods were the only things left in the front that was original.

However, the first time I went to the shop they printed the current alignment specs out for me as an "alignment check" and even before the tie rods were done, the alignment was out in the front.

[jsoto]

Yeah, I recall your tie rod issue post. Shop didn't have a A torch ? Would have taken a minute or so on the torch Add another 2 minute to cool it down afterwards

I just had one in march. In between then, one control arm and tension bushings went out. So I debated spending the $160 .....but I took her for a spin last night. It does not feel on point like it should. Doesn't drift to any side, just not as tight as it should. So off to my alignment guy it goes.

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by jsoto

Yeah, I recall your tie rod issue post. Shop didn't have a A torch ? Would have taken a minute or so on the torch Add another 2 minute to cool it down afterwards

I just had one in march. In between then, one control arm and tension bushings went out. So I debated spending the $160 .....but I took her for a spin last night. It does not feel on point like it should. Doesn't drift to any side, just not as tight as it should. So off to my alignment guy it goes.

Oh the shop had a torch all right, as far as I knew, I just think either they used it and its still seized (10 years in the northeast would do that), or they did not want to use too much heat in that area because of the leveling sensor being literally right next to the tie rod.

For what its worth, only one of my rods was seized, the other was ok, but I like to replace in pairs at the age anyway though. Good luck on your alignment i'm sure it will come out better!

[jsoto]

Grr. When it rains, it pours.
All in the last month - including rebuild ATF...

Turns out both front left and rear left - new bearings. One's more noiser than the other....

[bcredliner]

Any time suspension parts are replaced the alignment will change to some degree. Usually the change is enough to cause the alignment to be out of specifications. I don't like paying the price for an alignment either but it's in the camp of-- pay me now or pay me more for tires later. I keep taking my X in for an alignment after any suspension work because every time I do it is out of spec.